This scientific assessment will help VA determine if kidney cancer should be considered a presumptive service-connected condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to PFAS.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it will conduct a scientific assessment to determine if there is a veteran service connection between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – also known as “forever chemicals” – and kidney cancer.
This assessment will help VA determine if kidney cancer should be considered a presumptive service-connected condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to PFAS. PFAS are a class of over 12,000 chemicals that have been used in the military for over 50 years.
“At VA, we want to understand the health conditions that veterans are living with so we can provide them with all of the benefits they deserve — and that’s what this review process is all about,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a press release. “As a result of this scientific review, we may be able to make kidney cancer a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to PFAS, thus lowering the burden of proof on these veterans. But make no mistake: Veterans should not wait for the outcome of this review to apply for the benefits and care they deserve. If you’re a veteran and believe your military service has negatively impacted your health, we encourage you to apply for VA care and benefits today.”
Since the PACT Act was signed into law two years ago, VA has extended presumptive service-connection for more than 300 new conditions and has delivered more than $7 billion in earned disability compensation benefits to more than one million veterans and their survivors. And nearly 740,000 veterans have enrolled in VA care. To enroll in VA health care or file a claim under the PACT Act, visit here.
When conducting the research between PFAS and kidney cancer, VA will follow guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and other key stakeholders, and will consider available peer-reviewed scientific literature, veteran claims data, and other relevant data.
The VA is asking for comments through the Federal Register and is hosting a public listening session on Nov. 19 to allow individuals to share research and input. To participate in the session, register here.
- Veterans Healthcare